Best Antiques Store

Antiques on Main

Since opening six years ago, Antiques on Main continues to see an increasing flow of customers as well as those who come back time and again.

“I have 70 vendors here, some of whom come in daily to change things so there’s always something new for people to see,” says owner Loretta Nosal. “We sell a variety of vintage, antique, repurposed and even a few new things including jewelry, furniture, china, pottery and just about anything you can imagine.”

Nosal says that when customers walk in for the first time they often immediately exclaim, this is their favorite store.

THIRD PLACE

It’s Just Serendipity

Best Appliance/Electronics Store

Best Buy

Best Buy promises “expert service, unbeatable price.” That includes all its stores in Northwest Indiana. Residents and businesses in the Region can seek out the latest in electronics and home appliances—and are promised service that goes beyond the sale.

Its Geek Squad department offers appliance services that include delivery, installation, protection and servicing, plus 24/7 support for computers and tablets, TVs and home theaters, and more.

Plenty of customers appreciate the trade-in and recycling programs for old products, as well as the price match guarantee on qualifying new products.

Drivers in Northwest Indiana can find convenient car electronics, and camera buffs can choose cameras and camcorders for the memorable, the beautiful, and the laugh-out-loud moments in life.

Hometown Appliance & Electronics

Best Bridal/Formal Wear Shop

SOMETHING BLUE BRIDAL

Sandy Jamison made quite the career change in 2012 when she left her career as a middle, high school and college math teacher to spend her time helping brides experience a perfect wedding day. “I was a teacher who had a lot of fun planning my wedding and who thought it would be a lot of fun to open a bridal store,” she said. She quit teaching in August 2012 and opened her shop, Something Blue Bridal in Schererville, in October and it’s been wedding bells ever since.

One thing that she believes makes her business stand out is emphasizing service over sales. “We really focus on being personable and want to make sure each bride is happy when she’s here and it’s an atmosphere she could hang out in every day.”

Besides Jamison, the store employees five part-time staffers. The shop doesn’t carry bridesmaid gowns, but offers accessories and evening wear for moms in addition to bridal fashions. “We honestly care about each bride and want to follow her through until the day she gets married. If for any reason they are unhappy, we go above and beyond to make sure the day of the wedding is absolutely perfect.”

Schepel Auto Group

Schepel Auto Group offers customers the total package, according to Tom Van Prooyen, dealer. It’s why they have been voted Best in the Region for new car sales.

“Our staff is trained to treat every customer like they are family,” Van Prooyen says. “It might sound cliché, but it is the driving force behind our vision and our mission as an organization. We believe in a low-pressure environment that allows you to be comfortable.”

Schepel has been family owned since 1968 and maintains service, parts and body shop departments in addition to new-car sales.

“We provide our customers with everything they need, all under one roof,” Van Prooyen says. “We believe that convenience is one of the features we should always offer to our loyal customers.”

All of the technicians at Schepel’s are certified with continuing training a part of their dedication to customer satisfaction.

“Automobiles are more technical and complex than ever,” Van Prooyen says. “It’s not enough to become certified; our technicians need to continue their education in order to provide the level of customer service we demand of ourselves.”

Best Car Dealer - Used

CarMax

“This is why 95 percent of our purchasers recommend CarMax to family and friends,” according to the company.

CarMax has been in business for nearly 25 years, and its Merrillville location opened about 16 years ago.

In addition to the large selection of vehicles available at the Merrillville dealership, CarMax has a nationwide inventory of nearly 50,000 vehicles available for viewing online. When requested, the company will transfer most used cars from its 190 stores.

Customers also can easily sell their vehicles to CarMax, which offers no-obligation appraisals that are good for seven days.

“CarMax provides a great shopping experience with customer-focused technology innovations and our unparalleled in-store experience,” according to the company.

Castle Subaru Mitsubishi

Best Carpet/Flooring Store

Schillings

Schillings is a one-stop shop when you’re looking to spruce up your home and should be first to come to mind for your flooring needs. “We offer top-quality flooring products at prices that can’t be beat,” said Jeff Schilling, purchasing director. “We buy direct from the manufacturer, cut out the middle man, and pass the savings directly to our customers. We understand our customers’ needs and stock more than 1 million square feet of flooring so we can provide our customers with the flooring they need when they need it.”

Besides a great product selection, this family-owned Christian company that has been serving the Region for 73 years puts customer service as a priority and has a top-notch staff to help carry out its mission.

“Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you pick out the right flooring for your specific application,” said Schilling. “We stay ahead of the curve when it comes to our flooring selection, style, and showrooms. From solid and engineered hardwood, vinyl, laminate, porcelain and ceramic tile, we have the selection and expertise to make sure all of our customers are happy they picked Schillings for their flooring project.”

THIRD PLACE

Banter Floors & More

Best Customer Service

Centier Bank

Indiana’s largest, family-owned private bank started right here in the Region. It originated in Whiting in 1895, and President and CEO Mike Schrage is the fourth generation of the Schrage family in charge. Centier Bank now operates 60 branches in Indiana.

“Centier’s philosophy is to provide our clients a ‘Wow!’ experience at every opportunity,” said Randy Shepard, senior vice president and retail sales manager. “Our focus on building long-lasting relationships with warm, personalized service sets the Centier experience apart from other banks. We are a true community bank in every sense of the phrase.”

Best Florist

Cedar Lake Florist & Gifts

Charlie and Marilyn Kaper believe flowers make beautiful stories, and they want to be the people to help you share them.

The Kapers are in their 30th year of ownership of Cedar Lake Florist & Gifts, and they have a strong dedication to providing quality floral products to their customers.

“Whether you’re sending flowers across the world or around the corner, Cedar Lake Florist specializes in unique designs, expertise, personal attention, convenience and service as your local florist for today’s on-the-go consumer,” Marilyn Kaper said. “We cannot think of anything more than fresh flowers that evoke positive feelings for both the giver and the recipient, no matter the occasion.”

In addition to the variety of floral products available there, Cedar Lake Florist also carries home decor and other items.

For those who haven’t visited the business, the Kapers encourage you to “stop in and see for yourself.”

Dixon's Florist & Wedding Center

Best Furniture Store

Indiana Furniture and Mattress

The customer experience is a priority at Indiana Furniture and Mattress, and the business values opportunities to be part of its clients’ lives and to learn from them.

“It’s been very important to us to take the time to really get to understand how our customers are using their spaces, how they live in them, what they like and don’t like currently,” Indiana Furniture President Ashley Miller said.

The business uses that information to help determine the product it brings into the store and how it’s displayed.

“We love to change it up,” Miller said, “If you saw something you liked, it may not be in the same place again the next time you visit.”

Indiana Furniture started in 1969 with 20,000 square feet of showroom in the upstairs portion of what used to be Millers Mart. The company now has more than 70,000 square feet of showroom.

Indiana Furniture is thankful for the support it has received to help the business grow.

“There’s so many really wonderful people who have shopped with us over the years and continue to do so,” Miller said, “They’ve truly become more like our friends and family.”

Best Garden/Nursery Store

Alsip Home & Nursery

Next year Alsip Home & Nursery will celebrate 50 years in business, and it looks forward to many more years of serving customers in the Region. Brothers Richard and David Christakes now run the company that their father bought from the original owner in 1969.

Richard Christakes said it is the professionalism, experience and dedication of its staff that is paramount to its success. “It’s the team of people that we have. We have an excellent staff from upper management to buyers to the associate level, and we’re good at recruiting the best people,” he said. “We have a good long-tenured management team. Most have been with us at least 10 years, so though it’s a seasonal business most of our staff is long-term. We’re kind of like a family.”

As the largest and most complete nursery in the Region, Alsip Home & Nursery offers a massive amount of inventory for individuals, businesses and landscapers along with a knowledgeable staff that has worked decades in the industry, with some being state-certified horticulturists.

She said the stores carry many popular brands, including Vera Bradley, Lizzy James, Mudpie, Tervis, Corkcicle and Yankee Candles. It also features several product lines from Midwest companies including Ronaldo Designer Jewelry of Indiana, Cherry Republic of Michigan and Coblentz Chocolates of Ohio.

As a Hallmark Gold Crown Store, Little Green Apple offers cards for every occasion and style as well as the popular Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments released annually.

Geisler said shopping at Little Green Apple is a fun experience, and employees enjoy assisting customers with their purchases.

“We are honored and excited to be recognized by our customers,” Geisler said, “We work hard every day to bring our customers the best products and service.”

Best Grocery Store

Strack & Van Til

Strack & Van Til has been meeting customers' needs as the go-to grocery in the Region for 58 years. It started in 1960 after Nick Van Til, whose roots were in the St. Louis area, and a German immigrant named Ernie Strack met at a grocers meeting. The first store opened in Highland at 45th Street and Cline Avenue, and the company has grown throughout the region, carrying on the traditions of quality and service on which its founders insisted.

“Strack & Van Til is honored to be recognized by the consumers of Northwest Indiana for being the best place to shop for groceries,” said Jeff Strack, president and CEO. “Since reacquiring the company last August, we have been working diligently to rebuild our culture and to give our customers a great shopping experience. Our associates are the ones who allow us to be successful and we couldn’t do what we do without them.”

Exceptional customer service is something that Strack said customers can expect when they walk through the doors of one of its stores. “We also offer full service in our floral, bakery, fresh meat and deli departments,” he said. “We also are offering new innovations such as microwavable meals and fresh grab and go options to help make our customer’s lives easier.”

Best Home Decor Store

HomeGoods

“It’s all about the adventure of the treasure hunt, the spark of creativity that comes from finding something new, and the thrill of being able to purchase it an incredible savings (or price),” according to the company.

Each HomeGoods location receives new merchandise several times a week.

“At HomeGoods, shoppers can expect to find an always-changing selection of distinctive, high-quality merchandise and dozens of amazing brand and designer names,” the company said.

As much as HomeGoods enjoys offering a variety home fashions and other items, the business also appreciates the support it receives from its shoppers.

“We’re inspired by seeing how our customers use their finds, and (we) always love to hear about them on our social channels,” the company said.

SECOND PLACE

Hobby Lobby

THIRD PLACE

DeYoung Interiors

Best Home Improvement Store

Menards

Menards is a place that residents in the Region know they can count on when they have a home project they need to tackle. No matter what your home improvement project is, Menards will have the supplies to get the job done.

“Thank you to all the loyal Menards shoppers in the region who named us the Best Home Improvement Store and Best Lighting Store in Northwest Indiana,” said Jeff Abbott, promotions manager/spokesman. “We take great pride in being your local, hometown hardware store with the tools, materials and supplies for all your home improvement needs in each of these communities.”

Though Menards has grown to one of the larger store chains in the Region, it is family owned and operated and retains many of the values of smaller businesses, remaining committed to good service and good prices.

Albert’s Diamond Jewelers

“We’re different,” said Joshua Halpern, owner of Albert’s Diamond Jewelers. “Our staff is educated, and they give an incredible presentation. We do custom in-house design for those who want a one-of-a-kind piece.”

Halpern’s father acquired the business founded in 1905 in East Chicago in 1960. Halpern took over in the mid-1990s and moved the store to Schererville in 2002 and continues the longstanding traditions that have kept the company thriving for more than a century.

Value is also emphasized at Albert’s. “We have a nationwide price match. We will match online pricing, and you can purchase it locally,” he said.

Engagement rings and wedding bands account for more than half of the business. “We have a great selection, personalized service, custom designs, amazing brands. We have the largest selection in the Region of loose diamonds and engagement rings,” said Halpern.

Halpern enjoys the relationships made with customers and loves when multiple generations return. “Referrals are the greatest part of our business,” he said. “To have someone bring someone in hand-in-hand and say ‘this is our jeweler and where you want to be' is amazing.”

Likewise, he appreciates when new customers choose Albert's. “To those who are new, I would say to come and see for yourself and experience the Albert's difference,” he said. "We treat clients like friends and family and welcome them with open arms and every day we try to do better than yesterday.”

THIRD PLACE

Highland Jewelers

Best Lighting Store

Menards

Menards goes by the motto of being “dedicated to service and quality” and that philosophy is part of the reason for being voted Best Lighting Store in the Region.

“First and foremost, the Menards family has always been committed to providing high quality guest service. Our strength and success can be seen in our well-stocked and maintained stores, the lowest prices in town and the way guests are always treated like family,” said Jeff Abbott, promotions manager/spokesman. “As a family-owned and operated business, we will continue to roll up our sleeves and work hard to help our guests ‘Save Big Money’ for many years to come while employing your friends and neighbors.”

Wise Guys Discount Liquors

Wise Guys is fairly new to the area, but it has taken the Region by storm with beer, wine and spirits. The first store opened at 91st and Taft in Merrillville in 2012 and a second location opened in 2015. That second store, right across from Southlake Mall, is its “superstore.” With 17,000 square feet, it’s the largest liquor store in Northwest Indiana.

Think of it as a theme park, of sorts, where shoppers can browse aisles and aisles of beer (including popular brands and more obscure craft brews), wine and spirits and partake in free tastings from 6-8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday or join Wise Guys University to quench your thirst for knowledge about the world of alcohol.

“The difference with us is that we have a unique store and quality employees who are very knowledgeable in beer, wine and spirits. I sell the same products as the guy next door, but the difference is the price and the people,” said Brett Gargano, vice president of store operations. “We have a good variety, great associate knowledge and a it’s a fun place to shop.”

There are plans to expand to a third location in Chesterton this summer, and possibly Valparaiso in 2019.

SECOND PLACE

Kennan Liquors

THIRD PLACE

Nick’s Liquors

Best Mattress Store

Mattress Firm

Mattress Firm has always wanted everyone to know that it’s a different kind of mattress store—one that creates the kind of shopping experience that’s unique and that customers appreciate. With locations in Northwest Indiana and multiple other places, it must be working.

Top name brands include Beautyrest, Serta, Simmons, Hampton & Rhodes, and more. The company says it’s committed to not only offering quality, brand-name bedding products but also what every customer wants as well: competitive pricing and knowledgeable, well-trained sales associates—plus a “Happiness Guarantee.”

THIRD PLACE

Darvin Furniture

Best Men's Clothing Store

Kohl’s

Look your best without breaking the bank at Kohl’s, where you know you’ll find a great selection of name brands at reasonable prices. With brands such as Levi’s, Croft & Barrow, Dockers, Adidas, Chaps, IZOD and Haggar, there are fashions for all, no matter your age or style.

You can further stretch your dollars with the “Kohl’s Cash” program, which offers customers the opportunity to take advantage of online shopping, free pickup in stores and discounts using “cash” earned on a previous purchases. Loyal customers also can participate in the “Yes2You Rewards” program, which allows you to earn points on future purchases.

Best Motorcycle Dealer

Calumet Harley-Davidson

It might not get as much attention as the Chicago Bulls got, but Calumet Harley-Davidson has earned a three-peat in The Times Best of the Region. This is the third time in a row the business has been the top vote-getter in its category.

For owners Chuck and Cindy Kreisl, the secret to their success is having "a really passionate and engaged staff who enjoy the customers and the motorcycle lifestyle," Chuck said.

"They take care of the customers and joke with them," Kreisl said. "Plus, the Harley-Davidson product has never been better, and there's been a popular response to it."

The Kreisls opened in 1993 as Hammond Harley-Davidson and moved to Munster in 2001.

"It's nice to get recognized," Kreisl said. "You can get a Harley-Davidson anywhere, but we take care of people and help them get the motorcycle of their dreams. We feel very fortunate people recognize us and the fact we are out there on the front lines taking care of people."

Best Place to Buy Meat & Poultry

Rob's Meat Chop & Deli

After 12 years in business, Rob's Meat Chop & Deli in Dyer, owned by Rob Newenhouse, knows what it takes to keep the customers satisfied.

"We like our customers to be happy the moment they walk in the door," manager Tobie Martin said. "They tell us what they want, and we do our darnedest to get it for them. If they want a 2-inch Porterhouse steak, we cut them a 2-inch Porterhouse steak."

Martin said the business's specialties include its Kievs and a large deli department, but it could be the 20 different types of kabobs that keep the customers coming back. Rob's kabobs come in fish, lamb, steak, chicken, or pork with a variety of marinades creating even more flavorful favorites.

Best Place to Buy Produce

Produce Depot

Going against the "Big Boys" isn't easy, but Produce Depot in St. John takes them on with a combination of customer service and fresh, quality food.

"We give a lot of customer support," owner Mike Massaro said. "A lot of customers come to us for advice on what to buy and what to eat. Our food is fresh, the quality is there, and a lot of stuff in the store is homemade."

That stuff includes soups, bread, salads, and items that are vegan or gluten free. The Produce Depot has a baker and offers a lot more than just produce. The business opened in 2009 and has been at the present location for the last five years.

"We try to keep under the radar from the big boys, We've got real good soups and homemade sandwiches."

In addition to things such as cannolis and biscottis, Produce Depot sells a black bean brownie, which Massaro said is every bit as mouth-watering as the traditional version. He handles the buying and running the business, and his wife runs the kitchen and makes the soups every day from scratch.

Best Place to Buy Wine

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants

Northern Indiana can enjoy handcrafted wines at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, the recipient of 300-plus wine awards in local, national and international competitions.

The winery sources grapes directly from vineyards around the country, ensuring each season’s best grapes from the best growing conditions. That enables Cooper’s Hawk to handcraft some 600,000 gallons of wine each year in its delicate winemaking process.

Visitors enjoy its Napa-style Tasting Room that offers seven to eight wines to sample. Besides the delight of discovering new favorite wines, visitors can also sign up for the Wine Club, purchase wine by the bottle, and check out the gift shop for unique wine-related items. There are even fresh-made gourmet desserts in a bakery case.

Best Pool Store

The Great Escape

From a door-to-door pool supply business begun 41 years ago, the Great Escape continues to provide customers options from choosing the perfect pool, to enhancing an existing one, to keeping a pool looking beautiful all season.

General manager Rick Seifert says it’s not just about the product lines. He says the most important thing about the Great Escape is that it’s family owned. “Our Merrillville store works really hard to make every shopping experience a great one. We always want our customers to have fun!” The well-trained staff listens to every customer, communicating ideas in easy and inspiring ways.

Besides swimming pools in various sizes, the Great Escape has pool toys and floats, fountains and lights for atmosphere, chemicals, cleaners and pumps, and even offers winter closings and automatic cleaners for convenience. Steps, ladders and heaters make it all more accessible, but it’s not possible to list all the essential, handy and fun finds at the Merrillville store.

“We truly value our customers in Northwest Indiana,” says Seifert. “Our goal is to always bring our customers top-quality products at the best value. And we want them to have a great summer!”

Once Upon a Child

With thousands of square feet of gently used children’s clothing, toys and gear, Once Upon a Child has something to offer everyone.

Carrying well-known brands such as OshKosh B’gosh, Graco, Melissa & Doug, Evenflo and Playskool, each store sells clothing and other children’s items for all seasons. Many stores have additional merchandise for sale, from books and toys to baby gear, including monitors, bath accessories, bouncy seats, entertainers, strollers and highchairs.

Once Upon a Child also carries changing tables, bassinets, cribs, dressers and gliders.

For families whose children have outgrown their items, Once Upon a Child pays cash for many of the items above. But it advises calling ahead to find out each store’s most wanted items.

This summer the store will add swimwear. And Once Upon a Child carries many Halloween costumes, saving families money year-round.

THIRD PLACE

EcoChic

Best Shoe Store

DSW Inc.

There’s power in shoes, right? DSW—Designer Shoe Warehouse—thinks so. Shoe shoppers find lots of variety and style in DSW’s thousands of shoes at its Merrillville, Schererville, and multiple other locations.

In business since 1961, the company says it knows “the rush of finding that perfect pair,” adding DSW focuses on providing quality, value and style, “because no matter who you are or how you dress, shoes say a lot about you.”

Shoes for just about every lifestyle include sandals, pumps, dressy, wedges, uniform shoes, boat shoes, running shoes and more.

Once those perfect shoes are found at DSW, the store’s collection of handbags and accessories can complete the look. Online shopping is an option, and DSW Rewards let members earn points when they shop, then apply those points toward $10 Rewards certificates.

Best Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store

Dick’s Sporting Goods

“Dick’s Sporting Goods is always striving to give our customers a wide assortment of products that cater to their individual fitness needs and goals,” says Brian Dibbert, community marketing manager at Dick’s. He notes it offers a number of private-label brands such as the female-focused fitness brand Calia by Carrie Underwood, Field & Stream—an outdoor specialty product line—and their newest private-label brand for high-intensity athletes, Second Skin.

“We take pride in these exclusive brands that are designed in-house by Dick’s Sporting Goods experts and give our consumers premium products at a more affordable price point.”

But it’s more than just a wide array of quality products for any sports or outdoor enthusiast, says Dibbert: Dick's values providing excellent customer service. “We believe this combination allows for a great customer experience,” he says.

Dibbert says he appreciates the customer support Dick’s enjoys. “We are lucky to be a part of such a great community and we’re looking forward to serving our athletes and customers in the future seasons.”

Best Tire Store

Discount Tire

Bruce Halle began his tire business in 1960 with just six tires. Today Discount Tire, with 900-plus locations including those in Northwest Indiana, is the largest independent tire and wheel retailer in the U.S.

Halle got to know his community and fostered good relationships through fairness and respect for his customers. That’s been a constant since then, with friendly staff ready with expert knowledge in Discount Tire’s broad range of products, including tires and wheels in all sizes.

Maybe a gift certificate to a tire store isn’t always the first thought that comes to mind for a present—but who wouldn’t need one? Discount Tire offers affordable pricing, too.

Halle has seen to it that the company’s growth has been steady and responsible, always mindful of focusing on its customers.

SECOND PLACE

Levin Tire & Service Center

THIRD PLACE

Tire Barn

Best Women's Clothing Store

Kohl's

Kohl's has come a long way since it was first opened as a corner grocery store in Milwaukee in 1927. The first department store opened in 1962, and it now is the largest department store chain in the nation and, according to The Times' readers, the best place to buy women's clothes.

Shoppers can buy "quality, fashionable clothes" at Kohl's, according to the company's Web site.

"Whether you're just looking to refresh your wardrobe, add some special pieces or overhaul it completely, Kohl's has the women's clothing that will add something special to any wardrobe."

Whether looking for something formal or casual or to "stock up on staples like women's shirts and blouses," the Web site says Kohl's offers a variety of exclusive brands and styles at reasonable prices.

The store also offers incentives such as Kohl's Cash, which lets customers take advantage of online shopping, free pickup in stores and shopping in stores using cash they earned from previous purchases. Its "Yes2You Rewards" program enables customers to earn points that can be applied to future purchases.

"Dressed up or down, Kohl's has all the women's clothing you need for work or play," the store site states, and it seems the readers agree.

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